Common Behavior Issues in Children

Behavioral health is concerned with the personal, social, and learning development process of a child or adult. Problems often begin in early childhood and unproductive habits can be difficult to break as children progress into their teenage years and adulthood. Explore behavioral health services and therapies with the team at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS.

What Is Behavioral Health?

Good health is more than just being physically well. Mental and emotional health is just as important. Behavioral health is the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of conditions that affect how a person relates to others, behaves both in public and privately, handles stressful situations, and approaches general life management skills. A study published in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America states that approximately 21.8 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 have one or more behavioral health issues.

Common Behavior Issues in Children

Specialized providers can help with several different issues that affect children. Common issues you can discuss with your Monticello, MS pediatrician and a behavioral health services provider include:

• Autism (autism spectrum disorder).
• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
• Depression and anxiety.
• General mood or mental disorders (such as anger, extreme isolation, or oppositional defiance).
• PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
• Eating disorders (including anorexia, bulimia, and overeating).

Types of Behavioral Health Providers

Ignoring a behavioral problem will not make it go away. You need help from a qualified professional referred by your primary care pediatrician. These are some of the types of behavioral health service providers who can help your child:

• Talk to therapists and counselors (for both the child individually and the family as a whole).
• Psychologists and psychiatrists.
• Art and music therapists (encourage creativity).
• Learning advocates and tutors.

Help for You and Your Child

Behavioral concerns can be a source of distress for both you and your child. Early intervention could be key to the healthy and balanced development of your child into adulthood. Get support and guidance from the team at Caring Hands Children's Clinic in Meadville and Monticello, MS. Call (601) 587-4304 for the office in Monticello, MS, and (601) 384-1646 for the office in Meadville, MS today for an initial appointment and referral for behavioral health services.